"Major Hunt," a young intern saluted as Owen walked past.
"Sargent Mooney," Owen said, "everything alright?"
"I was just talking to my mother," Mooney said.
"How is she," Owen asked.
"Being a mother sir," Mooney replied.
"I met her 20 years ago," Owen said.
"How," Mooney asked.
"Your father Dan was my cornol in Iraq," Owen said, "he was an amazing man."
"Thank you sir," Mooney said.
"Owen," Owen smiled, "your dad taught me more than any one else. He was an amazing leader and teacher. He trained Altman and I. What's your name?"
"'My dad knew Altman," Mooney said, "I'm Jason."
"Teddy and I both worked with your dad Jason," Owen replied, "he was an incredible man. We just named our son after him."
"Colonel Altman had a boy," Jason Mooney asked.
"We did," Owen said, "Daniel for your dad. Dan would be proud of you doing this Jason. Who's your attending?"
"I havent been assigned yet," Jason said, "I was with Alexander but he's been dismissed."
"I know," Owen said, "I don't have a resident right now. I'm home for a month with my fiance and kids but when I come back your with me."
"Thank you sir," Jason said.
"Your dad taught me everything he knew about medicine yes but also about being a leader and an officer," Owen said, "as soon as I'm back from family leave I want you to work with me."
"Did you know him well," Jason asked.
"I did," Owen said, "you must have been 5 or 6 at the time. How are you adjusting?"
"I want to make him proud," Jason said.
"He would be," Owen said, "you're here. Jason, you went to medical school and enlisted. You look just like your dad. I'm going to go home and get my kids and bring them to meet their baby brother."
"You have other children," Jason asked.
"Two and Three," Owen said, "Allison and Leo. Altman and I have three kids. If you need anything at all Jason I want you to call me."
"Thank you sir," Jason said, "congratulations on your new baby."
"Thank you," Owen said, "I'll see you around."
Teddy curled up in bed with Daniel in one arm and her phone in her hand. She opened facetime and called Evelyn.
"Hi sweetheart," Evelyn said, "are you okay?"
"I need a mom," Teddy said.
"I'm here baby girl," Evelyn replied remembering what Teddy said her mom had always called her. Evelyn was proud of Teddy for admitting that she needed someone. A few months ago Teddy would not have been able to admit that.
"He's here," Teddy said.
"I see that," Evelyn said.
"You should be here," Teddy said, "my mom should be here."
"I want to be there so badly sweetheart," Evelyn said, "as soon as it is safe I will be there to hold Daniel and give you a proper hug. Hopefully we can see each other soon."
"How do I make three work with a newborn," Teddy asked, "Leo and Allison were scared when we left."
"Where are they now," Evelyn asked.
"Owen went to get them to meet their brother," Teddy said.
"Owen said you had a scare," Evelyn said, "are you alright?"
"Exhausted and in pain," Teddy admitted, "it's worse than Allison was."
"Don't compare," Evelyn said, "but Megan hurt more after than Owen."
"He was almost twice as long from first contraction to delivery ," Teddy said, "but Owen was here. He held me the whole time. He's a good dad. He's better at this parenting thing than I am."
"Teddy I've seen you with your kids," Evelyn said, "your amazing mom. Your kids love you. Who do they call for after their nap even when they know both of you are home?"
"Me," Teddy replied, "but three Evelyn how do I balance this?"
"With love," Evelyn said, "it's an adjustment. Teddy you can do this sweetheart. You love your babies and spend time with them and Daniel is going to be so loved. He has mommy and daddy and his brother and sister. Leo and Allison will surprise you with how much they want to help Daniel and be big helpers."
"She's a middle child," Teddy said.
"And the only girl," Evelyn said, "still your princess. I worried about this with Owen and Megan when she was born. Teddy it's going to be hectic but you have this. Sweetheart you've survived war zones and battle fields you can do three kids. Teddy, you have this."
"Do I," Teddy asked.
"You do," Evelyn assured, "and you have Owen. It took you two so long to figure it out but this is right. I waited for this. I knew it would happen."
"You saved your ring," Teddy smiled.
"When I met you I knew it would be yours," Evelyn said.
"He's fussing," Teddy said.
"I hear him," Evelyn replied.
"He wants to nurse," Teddy said.
"Go feed him," Evelyn said, "and give him a kiss from grandma."
"I will," Teddy said, "I'll call you tomorrow."
"Everyday sweetheart," Evelyn said, "I worry when I don't start my morning talking to you. Good night, get some rest and enjoy your babies."
"Thanks," Teddy replied, "have a good day."
Evelyn hung up smiling. Teddy would be okay, she was talking for the first time that Evelyn knew. Teddy was calling and reaching out when she needed a mom, she had been without a mom for far too long. Evelyn had enjoyed hearing about Teddy's pregnancy and was loving hearing from Meghan every day. She started her day with one daughter and ended with the other through the magic of face time.
Owen walked into the apartment.
"Where mommy," Allison asked.
"Still at the hospital," Owen said, "we're going to get cleaned up and go see mommy and baby Daniel."
"Baby," Allison said.
"Daddy," Leo yelled running to Owen.
"Hi buddy," Owen said hugging him, "I'm going to shower then we're all going to see mommy and Daniel."
"How is Teddy," Sarah asked.
"Exhausted but good," Owen said.
"Do you have pictures," Sarah asked.
"I do," Owen said, "this is Daniel William Hunt-Altman."
"Let me see," Leo yelled.
Owen crouched with his phone open and showed the kids, "this is your brother Daniel."
"Little," Allison said.
"He is little," Owen said, "let me shower and and we'll go see him and mommy."
"Do you want me to stay with them tonight," Sarah offered, "so you can stay with Teddy?"
"I would appreciate it," Owen said, "so will she. I'm going to take the kids up to the hospital for a couple hours to see Teddy and Daniel then I'll come back and put them to bed."
"Are you okay if I go home and do a couple things then come back around 6:30," Sarah asked.
"Please take your time," Owen said, "I'll text you when we're on our way back."
"That works," Sarah agreed.
Teddy waited anxiously for her family every time she heard a noise in the hallway she looked to the door. She wanted her kids all three of them.
"Mommy," two little voices yelled coming into the room.
"Allison, Leo," Teddy said.
"Mommy sick," Allison said.
"Just tired baby girl," Teddy said, "come meet your baby brother."
"Daniel," Leo squealed.
"Come sit with me and Daddy will get him from his bed," Teddy beamed.
The kids raced to the bed and Leo began to climb up, Owen lifted Allison up so she was sitting beside Teddy.
"Okay," Owen said, "I'm going to get Daniel and mommy is going to hold him. We have to be very very gentle because he's brand new."
Owen placed Daniel in Teddy's arms and sat on the bed with his family. They were a family of five. He loved them more then he knew how to say.
"This is Daniel," Teddy whispered.
"Baby sleeping," Allison said.
"He is asleep," Teddy confirmed.
"Can I hold him," Leo asked.
Teddy nodded to Owen.
"Okay buddy come sit with me so I can help you," Owen said.
Leo crawled over Teddy to sit with Owen. Owen helped him put his arms in the right position to hold Daniel. Teddy placed the baby in his brother's arms before wiping tears from her eyes.
"My boys," Teddy whispered.
"Me to," Allison whined.
"Sit with mommy then," Owen said.
Teddy guided Allison into her lap. They gave Leo a couple more minutes before transferring Daniel to Allison.
Soon the kids were cuddled with their parents. Owen had Daniel in his arms and Allison was curled up in Teddy's lap with Leo in between his parents.
Teddy sighed contentedly as she put an arm around Leo. This was right, this was what she had always wanted but was too afraid to ask for. Her fiancé and children. The man she had loved for 20 years and their kids. Owen leaned across the kids and gave Teddy a gentle kiss. They were cozy and Allison was starting to fall asleep.
"I'm guessing they didn't nap," Teddy said, seeing the sleepy toddler.
"Sarah said they didn't," Owen said, "he's okay without it but she still struggles."
"Three and a half vs just two," Teddy smiled.
"Three three and under," Owen said.
"Hunt," Teddy said, "we have three kids."
"We do," Owen said.
"Do you want to take the E," Teddy said and give them dinner?"
"Are you okay," Owen asked.
"They'll bring me dinner soon then you can come back, say good night and stay home with them," Teddy suggested.
"Sarah is coming so I can be here with you," Owen said.
"Owen I'm fine," Teddy said, "I've done this before and we have two others."
"No," Owen said, "I'll do the first night with the two of you. Teddy, you shouldn't be alone."
"I'm okay," Teddy reiterated, "I've done it before."
"I'll take these two home and then I'll come back," Owen replied, "he needs both of us."
"The all do," Teddy said before beginning to cry, "your mom should have been here and with Leo and Allison so you could be with me. She should have been able to hold him today and give him a hug not seeing him through face time."
"I know," Owen said, "I wanted her here two. Mom should be here and holding our kids. Fussing over you."
"I called her when you ran home," Teddy said.
"Good," Owen replied, "Sarah is good with these two and we're going to have tonight with our little man."
Teddy nodded holding her older two closer. The family of five snuggled for a while longer.
"I'm hungry," Leo said.
"Let's go home and have some Mac and cheese," Owen said, "give mommy and Daniel hugs and they'll come home tomorrow."
"Bye bye baby," Allison said.
"By mommy," Leo said.
"Bye you two," Teddy said, "I'll be home tomorrow."
Owen lead the older kids from the room and Teddy settled back against the pillow sitting up in bed cuddle Daniel.
"Sargent Dyer," Teddy called seeing the young surgeon in the hall.
"Colonel Altman," Julia Dyer replied.
"Come in Sargent," Teddy invited.
"Thank you ma'am," Julia said coming in.
"How are you doing," Teddy asked.
"I'm good," Julia said, "Taves said it looks good."
"How far now," Teddy asked.
"17 weeks," Julia said, "ma'am do you know how I ask for new uniforms."
"Talk to major Hunt," Teddy answered, "he's your supervisor for now. I can't authorize it now I'm on leave and don't currently have access."
"What's your baby's name," Julia asked.
"This is Daniel Hunt-Altman," Teddy said.
"Are you okay," Julia asked.
"He's my third," Teddy replied, "tired but we're good. How are you feeling?"
"Not sick now and we're getting excited," Julia said, "thank you for putting me with Jackson for cardio and away from COVID-19 patients ."
"It's what we do," Teddy said, "we look out for each other. I've heard our new head of trauma is female and a mom. So there'll be a few of us."
Teddy's phone rang.
"Excuse me, I have to take this," Teddy said.
"Of course," JUlia smiled, "congratulations ma'am."
"Thank you Julia," Teddy smiled, "you can go. Would you mind closing the door?"
The younger woman stepped out and closed the door behind her.
"Megan," Teddy said, answering her phone.
"Where is he," Megan demanded.
"Right her auntie Megan," Teddy smiled pointing the camera down at Daniel.
"Teddy, he's perfect," Megan said.
"He looks like Allison did," Teddy smiled.
"Owen sent us the essential info and first pictures," Megan said, "how are you?"
"Exhausted," Teddy admitted, "but good. We're good."
"Where's the dumb dumb," Megan asked.
"He took Allison and Leo home for dinner and baths then is coming back," Teddy replied.
"He'll stay with you tonight," Megan asked.
"He is," Teddy said, "he should be with the older two but I really want him here."
"He should be with you," Megan said, "last time with Allison when you were alone I wanted to fly to you."
"I should have let you," Teddy said, "had someone. But I was scared and hiding so I kept you away."
"Teddy," Meghan sighed.
"We're good," Teddy said, "he's here and he's perfect."
"Owen said he already has your eyes," Megan said.
"He has Owen's nose and mouth," Teddy said, "he's the prefect combination of us."
"Allison keeps looking more like you," Megan said.
"How are you," Teddy asked.
"I'm good," Megan said, "21 weeks. She's growing fast now."
"She," Teddy asked, "it's a girl?"
"It's a baby girl," Megan confirmed.
"A girl," Teddy beamed, "Allison will love it having a girl cousin. Your mom let it slip that you have orders to come here."
"Running trauma," Megan said, "is that okay?"
"I want you," Teddy said, "so does Owen. our family together."
"Mom," Megan said.
"We'll see if we can bring her out some how," Teddy said, "I might be able to sponsor her coming."
"We need mom," Megan said, "I want to go to Seattle go home and see mom. Have her feel my bump and the little kicks."
"I wanted my mom for all of that," Teddy agreed, "it was hard this time your mom knowing and being so excited. I want her to hold him and I wanted her to come here before. She should have been with Allison and Leo. Been here to welcome him and hold him."
"I want her to come down for it," Megan said.
"You should have your mom," Teddy said, "your mom has called twice to check on us."
"She's so in love with your kids," Megan said.
"And Faroke," Teddy said, "she's a good grandma."
"When I move she's going to miss talk to us at either end of the day," Megan said.
"I call her as shes getting ready for the day," Teddy said.
"I call after dinner," Megan said, "she says she starts and ends her day with her daughters. Cute PJs by the way."
"Your mom," Teddy said, "in the shower box. She sent a few pairs of cozy pajamas after I told her I spent the first six weeks with Allison in my pjs because it was easier. She's spoiled me completely."
"That's mom," Megan said, "she dotes on people she loves."
"It's been 20 years since I've had that," Teddy said.
"Let mom love you Teddy," Megan said, "she's going to do it weather you want her to or not so enjoy it."
"I am," Teddy said, "I forgot how to have a mom. Then my mother in law is a super mom half a world away."
"I know," Megan said, "just love it."
"I do," Teddy said, "she's amazing. So baby girl?"
"She's perfect," Megan said, "I'll send you the pictures."
"I want to see her," Teddy said, "how did Riggs take it?"
"He's excited," Megan said, "calling her our princess already."
"The one girl she's daddy's princess," Teddy smiled, "Allison is Owen's princess. What did your mom say?"
"She's excited," Megan said, "she was ordering pink yarn."
"And you're coming here with a baby," Teddy said, "I'll get to cuddle her."
"And I'll get to hold your little man," Megan said, "play with all your kids."
"Three kids," Teddy said, "we're outnumbered."
"It's what you said you wanted," Megan said.
"20 years ago I know," Teddy said, "then I said the right guy but I really meant Owen."
"I know," Megan laughed, "everyone but you two did."
"I know," Teddy said, "baby girl is she kicking yet?"
"About a week now," Megan said, "Nathan can't feel it yet."
"He will," Teddy said, "then he'll never keep his hands to himself."
"Owen," Megan asked.
"Your brother is the worst for it," Teddy laughed, "but you guys are good?"
"We're good," Megan said, "excited to meet your little man. My princess needs to stay where she is a bit longer."
"Halfway there," Teddy said.
"Half way," Megan said, "I have questions but I'll talk to you later."
"What type of questions," Teddy asked.
"About giving birth," Megan said, "later. Let you recover."
"We will talk," Teddy agreed, "he's starting to fuss."
"I'll talk to you tomorrow," Megan said, "give that gorgeous little man a kiss from auntie Megan and uncle Nathan. Tell dumb dumb to call me tomorrow."
"I will," Teddy said, "love you Meg."
"Love you too," Megan said before hanging up. That was the first time she had heard Teddy say that to her. Megan chalked it up to hormones.
Owen walked back in, "who was that?"
"Megan," Teddy said, "just saying hi and checking in. she wants the dumb dumb to call her tomorrow."
"You okay," Owen said.
"Daniel needs to be fed or changed or both," Teddy said.
"I'll change then you feed," Owen offered.
"Sounds good," Teddy repliedc, "Allison and Leo are okay?"
"They want you," Owen said, "both wanted mommy."
"Tomorrow," Teddy agreed, "we'll be busy and tired."
"We will be," Owen said, "you'll need some rest and I want them to check your iron."
"I'll be anemic," Teddy said, "I was after Allison. I'm generally slightly anemic anyway."
"No," Owen said, "I want it checked and if they can give you iron to get it up we should."
"Owen," Teddy said.
"Military hospital, it's all covered," Owen said.
"Not that," Teddy replied, "I hate getting iron infusions. I had three over a few weeks after Allison."
"Then we're doing it," Owen said, "make sure you're healthy."
"What's in the bag," Teddy asked, changing the topic.
"Food," Owen said, "wraps from the chicken place. Your usual order."
"Thank you," Teddy replied, "I'm starving."
"How do you want to do this," Owen asked.
"I'll feed him and you eat," Teddy said, "then you can hold him while I eat. I've never mastered eating and holding a baby."
"We can do that," Owen agreed, "I'll change him first."
"Thank you," Teddy replied, "Megan said they're coming here."
"It will be good to have them," Owen said, "we need to bring mom then."
"We should," Teddy agreed, "we'll work it out another day."
"We will," Owen agreed, he turned to the baby, "let's get you cleaned up little man."
Owen changed the baby and brought him back to Teddy. Teddy began to feed the baby as Owen sat with them.
"Thank you," Owen whispered.
"No," Teddy said, "thank you. You came back to me, you came here for me and for our kids. You gave me another chance and our three perfect babies. Our perfect family. Owen, thank you for giving me that dream."
"Our dream," Owen smiled, "I love you."
"I love you too," Teddy replied, "and we love you Daniel."